Introduction
The available surface and ground water resources are inadequate to meet all the water requirements for all purpose. So the demand for water has increased over year, which needs the assessment of quantity and quality of water for its optional utilization. The interpretation of satellite data in conjunction with sufficient ground truth information makes it possible to identify and outline various ground features such as geological structures, geomorphic features and their hydraulic characters, that may serve as direct or indirect indicators of the presence of ground and surface water.
Remote Sensing and GIS methods permit rapid and cost effective natural resource survey and management. Moreover, remotely sensed data serve as vital tool in generating water resources action plan and also identifying landform features, drainage pattern and geomorphic indicators for location of recharge and discharge area analysis. The geomorphological conditions are an essential prerequisite in understanding water bearing characteristics of hard rooks. Sufficiently thick weathered zone forms groundwater storage in bedrock areas but often may not provide regular supply groundwater. The present study is an attempt to prepare maps of water resources action plan and integration of all thematic maps by using satellite data and GIS techniques.
Study Area
Dhaulpur block is located in the central part of the district, which is bounded by Bharatpur district in the north and Madhya Pradesh in south. Eastern boundary is the dividing line between Raja Khara and Dhaulpur blocks. Western boundary is touched by Baseri and Bari blocks of the district. This block is covered by toposheet 54 F/9, F/10, F/13, F/14 spread over 601.76 sq. km. Physiographically the area is characterised by a dissected plateau and alluvial plain region. The most striking feature is the development of dissected ravenous zone along the three main rivers viz. Chambal, Parbati and Gambhir, which also form the main drainage network of the block. The alluvial plain is formed by the rivers Chambal and its tributaries. Climatically the block falls under the semi- arid conditions. The maximum and minimum temperatures vary from 4202' C to 701' C. The diurnal variation in the temperature ranges from 110 C to 170 C. The relatively humidity during Southwest monsoon is highest i.e. 83% (8.30 hrs.) Whereas it is lowest in May i.e. 36% (8 : 30 hrs). The average annual rainfall of Dhaulpur block is 668.60 mm (1901-1997). Winds are generally light to moderate but in summer and early monsoon season they are strengthened for some days. The forest of the block falls under the dry deciduous variety. In regard to mineral wealth, the non-metallic deposits of economic value are predominantly sandstone and limestone belonging to Vindhyan Supergroup of the rock. Out of 7.5-lac total population, 17.19% live in urban areas. The decadal growth of population is 28.10% as compared to 28.44% of the entire state. The average density of population in the block is 284 persons per sq. kms. The block shows that nearly 20.47% of people belong to the scheduled caste. The overall literacy of the block is around 31%.
Objectives:
The main objectives of the study are to prepare water resources development action plan on 1:50,000 scale supported by various thematic maps like - Base map, Drainage map, Hydrogeomorphological map, and Ground water prospect map. The suitable sites for groundwater as well as surface water harvesting structures are suggested in consideration with physical and cultural parameters of the area to mitigate the increasing demands of water for irrigation and drinking purposes.
Methodology:
Toposheets (54 F/9, F/10, F/13, F/14), IRS LISS-III FCC on 1 : 50,000 scale of three seasons, and published literatures are used. The ground truth verification is also done as and when required at various stages.
The Satellite data of three seasons have been interpreted using visual techniques. The local knowledge of the area has been taken into consideration at the time of interpretation. All drainages are taken out from toposheets and further modified by satellite data. The groundwater prospect of the delineated geomorphic units are evaluate using available hydrologic characterise and aquifer parameters. All the thematic maps have been finalised after field checks at selected locations for verifying the doubtful units. Based on Groundwater prospect zones and geomorphic units of the block, water-harvesting structure are suggested on suitable sites.
GIS (ARC/INFO) has been used for integrating various thematic maps to demarcate the zones of low to high groundwater potential zones.